Zakir Azad ,Cumilla

Cumilla Abhay Ashram has been rynning for centuries and this organization was established by Mahatma Gandhi in 1921 with the aim of economic self-reliance through cottage industries.

Due to lack of patronage and direction, most of the 206 decimel land is now unused. There are allegations of occupation. Aware people think that Gandhiji's dream will be realized under the planned management of the trustee organization. Thousands of people will be self-reliant again.

According to several books on the history of Cumilla, Abhay Ashram started its journey in 1921 under the name of Sabita Mission Ashram. In 1923, Mahatma Gandhi or Rabindranath Tagore renamed the Abhay Ashram. Until 1947, the city was located at Dhulipara Pilgram. At present it is known as the old ashram of the KTTCL area adjacent to Adarsh Sadar Upazila Parishad.

Yasmin Reema, a resident of the city, said the Abhay Ashram is a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi and world poet Rabindranath Tagore. I demand to preserve their memory. This century-old institution is neglected today. If the company operates in a planned manner, it will provide employment to thousands of people. Gandhiji's dream will come true.

Motilal Bhadra, director of Abhay Ashram Institute of Medical Technology, said the trustee of Abhay Ashram has 206 acres of land. There are 100 medical courses, 40 students in kindergarten and 20-25 students in dormitories. All services are closed during the coronation period. Here Gandhiji, poet Guru and many other eminent people have given their feet. All the memories of the war of independence of 1971 have been burnt. Regarding future plans, Motilal said, "Since this institution has been created for self-reliance." Some up-to-date projects or courses can be done. Abhay Ashram has a committee. The decision will have to be taken in consultation with the members of the committee. Each step requires a lot of money. The income of the organization including shop rent is very low now.

Basab Kandi Nath, son of the former president of Abhay Ashram, complained that part of the organization had been taken over by others. If the administration cooperates, the issue will be resolved properly.
Writer and researcher Ahsanul Kabir said the Congress leaders set up the ashram for economic self-reliance through village-based cottage industries. The non-violent movement against the British, cutting the wheel and building the Khaddar movement was the work of the revolutionaries of Abhay Ashram. The main center of Abhay Ashram is on Laksam Road. Besides, there were 8-10 branches in different places including Chandina and Noakhali. In 1925 and 26, Mahatma Gandhi visited the old Abhay Ashram twice.

On 19 February 1928, Rabindranath Tagore presided over the founding anniversary function. Cumilla gained wide recognition and fame in India for its Abhay Ashram. The role of Abhay Ashram was prominent in the anti-British movement. The British government declared Abhay Ashram illegal three times in 1930, 1932 and 1942. Abhay Ashram also has a role in the freedom struggle. Another issue is that Abhay Ashram is not a religious institution or school. The leaders of the Congress have created this organization for human welfare.

Gandhi Ashram Trust Board President Chandan Kumar Roy said the ashram is the birthplace of the anti-British movement, the independence movement. Apart from Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, it had branches in three countries. We have retained the name of the organization. It is now an institution of the Ministry of Law. A lot can be done here with government patronage. There are 206 acres of land. We do not know where the other 40 percent of the land is. We will implement the decision of the government in a hundred years.